Definition: Working fluid in a refrigeration system that absorbs heat by evaporating at low temperature/pressure and rejects heat by condensing at high temperature/pressure.
Common Refrigerants:
- **R134a**: Low GWP, automotive and small commercial systems
- **R404A**: Frozen transport and storage (being phased out due to high GWP)
- **R410A**: Air conditioning, higher pressure
- **R744 (CO₂)**: Natural refrigerant, gaining popularity, low GWP
- **R717 (Ammonia)**: Industrial cold storage, excellent efficiency, toxic
- **R290 (Propane)**: Natural refrigerant, flammable but low GWP
South African Context: Phasedown of high-GWP refrigerants (R404A, R507A) creates transition challenges. Natural refrigerants (CO₂, ammonia, hydrocarbons) becoming more common.
Related Terms: Global Warming Potential (GWP), Natural Refrigerant, Refrigerant Phase-Out